The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 16, 1996
Filed:
Aug. 24, 1994
Zhaohong Zhang, Kokomo, IN (US);
Mark F Henderson, Kokomo, IN (US);
Delco Electronics Corporation, Kokomo, IN (US);
Abstract
Detection means having thin wire electrodes that are placed on the outer surface of a radome that shelters an antenna used for transmitting and/or receiving intelligence in the form of radio waves, such as those microwave signals used in radar, especially radar that is used for a vehicle. The thin wire electrodes are placed on the radome surface in a way which will not change antenna characteristics. The electrodes measure the electrical resistance of the obstruction material, such as wet mud, that may find its way onto the outer surface of the radome during the operation of the vehicle and that may reduce the sensitivity of the radar's receiver so as to prevent it from recognizing otherwise discernable echo information. The detection means, upon detecting a predetermined electrical resistance of the obstruction material, provides a signal that is routed to the operator that is indicative that the radar performance may have degraded beyond an acceptable limit.